Beirut, Lebanon – The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population is now facing food insecurity. This comes amid a severe economic crisis that has gripped the country for years. The crisis has led to a decline in purchasing power and a rise in poverty and unemployment rates across all segments of society.
The UN agency explained that millions of Lebanese and refugees residing in the country are facing increasing challenges in securing their basic food needs. It also noted that rising food prices and the devaluation of the local currency have exacerbated the pressure on low-income families. As a result, these families are being forced to reduce the number of meals they eat daily or resort to lower-quality food options.
The program emphasized that the economic and social situation in Lebanon remains a major concern for the international community. This is especially true given the continued fragility of the financial situation and the slow pace of economic recovery efforts. It also noted that humanitarian needs remain high, while aid organizations face increasing challenges in securing the necessary funding to continue food support and humanitarian assistance programs.
The program added that the deterioration in food security is not limited to the poorest segments of society. Its impact has extended to broad segments of the middle class, which have been directly affected by successive crises. These crises include the repercussions of regional tensions and the rising costs of living and basic services.
The World Food Programme (WFP) called on the international community to increase its support for Lebanon to mitigate the worsening humanitarian crisis. It stressed that providing food assistance and social protection programs are essential to alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable families and maintaining social stability in the coming period.
These warnings come as Lebanon continues to face complex economic and humanitarian challenges. There are concerns that continued financial pressures and rising prices will increase the number of families at risk of poverty and food insecurity in the coming months.
